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Urban Hens Pilot By-law

In September of 2018 Township Council approved the Urban Hens Pilot By-law for an 18-month trial period, effective October 15, 2018.

Key Provisions of the By-law

The Clerk’s Office is able to establish additional standards and require all participants to comply with such standards during the pilot program to the satisfaction of the Clerk’s Office.

To be issued a permit, you must pass an initial inspection to allow for the tracking of hens and to ensure compliance with the bylaw.

Applicants are required to complete a Health Management Plan that has been approved by a poultry veterinarian to ensure that hen owners are educated, aware of the risks, knowledgeable about biosecurity measures such as cleanliness and vaccinations, and have a plan to prevent and respond to illnesses.

To help protect residents who do not support urban hens, alleviate neighbour conflicts, and protect the livelihood of residents working at a facility such as Hendrix Genetics, a Notification Form is required to notify and educate adjacent property owners. This must be submitted as part of your application process.

The minimum lot size is 2000 m2 (0.5 acre) to be eligible to participate in the pilot program.

The coop is to be located in the rear yard at least 7.6 m (25 ft) from the rear lot line, interior or exterior side yard.

Only hens that are at least four months old (female chickens) are permitted.

For lots less than 2 acres applicants can only permit up to a maximum of 4 hens. For lots greater than 2 acres, applicants can permit up to 10 hens.

Hens may not be ‘At Large.'

Ammonia levels shall not exceed 12 ppm.

The coop and run shall be fully enclosed with its own fencing, roof and doors whereby hens must remain in the enclosed coop to prevent escaping or being at large, to provide for protection from pests and predators, and as a measure of increased biosecurity. A hen may be permitted outside the hen coop and run between 6 am and 9 pm provided the hen’s wings are clipped, the owner is present, and all feces are removed daily.

Submitting a Formal Complaint

If you believe that someone is in violation of the Urban Hens By-law you may submit a formal complaint for one of our By-law Enforcement Officers to investigate. All formal complaints are confidential, but you will need to give your name and contact information before any complaints are investigated.

Please fill out and submit the Formal Complaint Form and submit to in person at the Township Administration Office, located at 2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr, or by email to By-law.